Automatic control system



1, 1941- w. L. ATWOOD ETAL I 6 AUTOMAT I C CONTROL SYS TEM Filed May 19, 195s 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 W/L FR/D L A rwooo,

LUC/AN M (Jo/v55 AND HORA CE L. 544/ TH) /R. v

Patented 0a. 21, 194i Wilfrid L. Atwood, Lucian N.

L. Smith, Jr.,' Richmond, Va.,

Jones, and Horace assignors to The Bristol Company, Waterbury, Conn., a corporation of Connecticut Application May 19 1938, Serial No. 208,946 7 Claims. (01. 137-78) This invention relates toautomatic .control systems, and more especially to an automatic control system for discontinuous processes wherein are coordinated changes ofpressure or similar variables and intervals of time.

The cycleof conditions in one typical treating process, with which the present control systern may be employed, may involve first, an

evacuation in which the absolute pressure is carried down to alow ultimate value, say one-tenth inch of mercury{ second, the introduction oi steam with a rapid increase in pressure to an absolute value of, say, twelve inches of mercury where the pressure ishe'ld for an interval of several "minutes; third, an evacuation to an absolute pressure of, say, four inches; i'ourth, a

second introduction of steam with an increase in absolute pressure to, say, twelve inches at which point it is once more held for a predetermined period; and fifth, another evacuation to an absolute pressure of, say, three inches of mercury. Such process may be terminated by placing the v treatment chamber in communication with the atmosphere and allowing the pressure therein to rise to atmospheric value, when the material under treatment may be removed.

Such treatment, being essentially discontinuous and involving wide variations 0! pressure and, a number of discrete critical-values which such pressures must attain and hold for more orless extended periods, would ordinarily require the most careful supervision by expert operatives, together with a considerable amount oi labor in the, manipulation of valves as pressures or temperatures attain the required values, and as predeter-. mined time intervals are accomplished.

It is an' object of this invention to provide a control system in which is'eflected a complete and automatic coordination of variables such as those hereinbefore described at diflerent prederanged process cycle of operation. A A further objector the invention lies -in the provision of means whereby there may be alternatively carried out two cycles of operation; similar in their general nature but differing in the limiting values of involved variables.

In the invention herein set forth and described,

there is provided a system involving coordination of measuring, controlling, and timing units.

means for valves for admitting fluid to, and exhaustingfluid from, a closed chamber, such gov-' erning means including timing mechanism driven by electric motor means and subject to operation at either of two speeds.

The governing means embody suitable cam means for governing the operation of said valves and for afl'ecting th operation of said motor means; and means subject to pressure changes in said chamber to initiate the operation oisaid timing mechanism at one. 01 said speeds uponattainment of certain predetermined pressure values in said chamber, while other. pressure-sensitive means initiate operation of said timing mechanism at v the other oi saidspeeds on the attainment of other predetermined pressure values in said chamber. .In addition, means are provided which termined values, with time intervals of various predetermined durations, to make up a prearare subject to said operation-affecting means for interrupting the power supply to said electric motor means.

The nature of thelinvention, however, will best be understood when described in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1' is a diagrammatic representation of a control system embodying the principles of the invention.

Figs. 2 and 3 illustrate, partly in section, cer tain valves used in the control system.

so Fig. 4 is 'a graphic representation of the vari ables characterising a typical cycle of operation, together with a diagram of operation of the several controllers, valves, switches, and relays embodied in thesystem.

Referring to the drawings, III and H designate similar processing containers or chambersadaptedto contain, for example, batches of material to be treated, and being adapted for scaling 011 from the atmosphere, and having connections whereby their interior spaces may be placed incommunication with a source of vacuum, a source of steam, or with a drain at atmospheric pressure. Two-pneumatically actuated valves l2 and I3 of the direct-acting type (in which a pressure of air upon the control diaphragm efiects a closing of the valve) providev connection. between the chambers Ill and ll, respectively, and admin pipe ll.

whereby there is effected a. control of the desired type with exactitude and precision. and with a complete elimination of the personal element. This is accomplished byproviding governing Two pneumatically actuated valves l5 and It oi. thereverse-actin'g type (in which a pressure oiair upon the-control diaphragm eflects openin: of the valve) similarly provide communicationbetween the respective chambers and a source'oi' steam (notshown) as controlled by a regulating valve I'I. iTwo; pneumatically actuated valves II and I! of the reverse-acting type between the respective processing vessels and a source of vacuum (not shown). I

In the pneumatic control lines to the valves I2 and I3 is inserted athree-way valve 2|, having an internal arrangement as shown in Fig. 2, whereby upon application of air pressure to its diaphragm 2|, control fluid under pressure from a conduit 22 will be operatively applied to the the valve shown in Fig, 2, and so connected that with air under pressure applied to its diaphragm, control fluid undef pressure from a conduit 24 will be operatively applied to the diaphragm of valve l5, and upon release of pressure upon the diaphragm of valve 23 control fluid under pressure from conduit 24 will be applied to valve l8; Similarly, a three-way valve- 25 of the same type included in the lines to valves l8 and I9 is so connected that with air under pressure applied to its diaphragm, control fluid under pressure from a conduit 28 will be operatively applied to valve I8, and upon release of air pressure on its diaphragm said control fluid under pressure will be operatively applied to valve I 9.

A reverse-acting valve 21 subject to operation by air from a conduit 28 serves to permit or interrupt (according to presence or absence respectively of air pressure .in said conduit) the flow 01 air, at a pressure variably controlled by means hereinafter to be set forth, to the diasuch a manner that upon application oi! control fluid under pressure to the diaphragm of the valve 23, the interior of the chamber II) will be placed in communi ation with the conduit 32, and upon release of said control fluid under pressure, the interior of chamber II will be placed in communication with conduit 32, only one of these chambers atv a time being so connected and .the other closed off.

The diaphragm tops of valves 2|, 2:, 25,'and- 29 are connected to a common conduit 33, which receives a supply oi air from a source 34 under constant pressure through a manually-actuated three-way cook 35. havin two positions. designated P-'-l0" and P-l I such that when the cock is in position P-ifl as shown in the drawings. air from source 34 will be admitted to conduit 33, applying pressure upon the diaphragms oi' the four valves supplied thereby; and with the cock in the position fP-H, pressure will be released and the diaphragms of the valves vented to the atmosphere. Thisarrangement constitutes a valve means 'commonlyknown as of supply and waste type. 1

With the body connections of the four valves 2|, 23. 25, and 29 as above set forth. it will vbe seen that with the three-way cock 35 in position P-IO the valves l2, l5, and I8, governing communication of the interior of the chamber similarly provide communication through pipe 20 ill with the drain, the regulated steam supply,

and the vacuum respectively, will have their that the interior of chamber II) will be placed in communication with conduit 32 and that of chamber I I cut off therefrom.

Withthis arrangement of valves, the chamber II) will be subjected to the process cycle control as hereinafter set forth, while at the same time the absence of pressure in the diaphragm chambers of reverse-acting valves l9 and I6 will permit these valves to close, cutting off communication of the chamber H with the vacuum or the steam supply, while the direct-acting valve l3 will stand open maintaining communication between the interior of the chamber II and the drain or atmosphere. vUnder this condition, the chamber ll may be opened for unloading and charging'while the process is being effected in chamber l0. Similarly, it will be seen that with the three-way cock 35 in the position P-l|," the chamber II will be connected into the system for carrying out the process cycle, while the chamber I0 is disconnectedai'id' may be opened for unloading or charging.

The conduit 32 serves to place in communication with the fluid under pressure'existing in the interior of chamber ID or II (according to the position of three-way cock 35) a number of pressure-sensitive devices, the nature of which will now be set forth. Since the process to whose control this system is particularly adapted requires at different stages in the cycle a number of different pressure values within the processing chambers, and since provision is definitely made for different cycles involving difierent pressure groups, there are shown a number of discrete pressure-sensitive elements, each calibrated to produce a definite response or effect at a definite pressure value.

A particular process which the disclosed em bodiment of my, system is adapted to control,

will be understood by reference to Fig. 4 of the atmospheric pressure, as indicated at I on the I,

curve. A process of evacuation is then initiated, carrying the absolute pressure down to an ultimate value of inch of mercury, indicated at II on the curve. At this point steam is admitted, and the pressure rapidly raised to an absolute value of 12 inches, as at III, where it is held for a time interval of several minutes, to a point as indicated by IV on the curve. The steam is y then shut oil and the chamber again evacuated until an absolute pressure of'4 inches is attained, as at V, after which steam is again admitted and the pressure brought up to 12 inches, as at VI, where it is once more held for a predetermined period, reachingthe point VII on the diagram. The steam is then'shut off and the chamber evacuated to an absolute pressure of 3 inches, as at VIII, after which the chamber is placed in communication with the atmosphere and the pressure allowed to rise to atmospheric, as at IX, when the treatment is complete, and the'material may beremovedl Analternative cycle, similar in every respect, but characterized H and 53-12, and one set of normally closed by diflerent limiting values, is shown by the dotted lines in the diagram; and it ,is desirable that such a cycle should be available at any time without changes in procedure or equipment. It should be understood that the process herein described forms no part of the present invention which relates solely to control equipment for use in governing processes of this and other types j I For control of the pressures, two pneumatic control instruments 36 and 31 are provided, preferably oi the type set forth in U. 8. Letters Patent No. 1,880,247, granted tothe applicant's .assignee October 4, 1932, and are actuated by pressure in the conduit 32. These instruments serve thereby to control pneumatic pressure in conduits 38 and 39, respectively, which conduits contacts Iii-c. Relay 50 has four sets of norare connected to the body of a three-way soleergization of either of two respective windings,

noid-operated valve 40 having an internal arrangement as shown in Fig. 3, whereby, accordingto energization or de-energization respectively of the solenoid, air pressure in a conduit 4|, leading through the valve 2'! to the regulating valve I1, is made subject to controller .33

In accordance with the two alternative PilOCE-SS cycles, the controllers 36 and 3'! are calibrated to different pressure values (for example inches and 12 inches of mercury absolute, re-

spectively) so that, for instance, when the solehold of valve 40 is energized, the controller 36,

acting on valve 11 through the valve 21, will tend I to maintain in whichever of the chambers III or is at that time connected into the control system a steam pressure of 10 inches; and with the solenoid of valve 40 de-energized, the controller 31 will become effective and will tend similarly to maintain a pressure of 12 inches absolute.

Two pressure-actuated electrical controllers l2 and 13, both connected to the conduit 32, arecalibrated to close contacts at pressures respec-.- tively .of 10 ,and 12 inches of mercury or over, corresponding to the two process cycles. Similarly, two electrical controllers 44 and 45 are adjusted to maintain their electrical contacts open at pressures of 2 inches and 3 inches, re-

spectively, within the conduit 32, closing their this case pressure) reaches a definite value as and 58-13.

Time elements are introduced into the system by a time-cycle controller 60 having cams adapted to actuate pilot valves and electrical contactors as hereinafter set forth, said cams being mounted upon a common shaft 6| adapted to be I driven by a motor element 62 of the type where-' by the cam shaft may be driven in one direction at either of two velocities according to the enherein designated as Fast" and Slow. The. fast operation of the timing instrument is particularly adapted for those parts of the cycle wherein one or more valves or contactors are to be operated as rapidly as possible, either simultaneously or in a predetermined sequency with little regard tolinterveni'ng time intervals. The

slow operation is used, either where definite timing over considerable periods is required, or

' where the cycle involves a definite delay between two events, as, for example, the opening of a 'valve and a further operationfollowing a consequent pressure change of somewhat indefinite,

but relatively short, time; -In the periods when the timing instrument remains at rest the cycle of operations is suspended until a variable (in predetermined by the setting of one of the control instruments. A preferred form of such driving system is set forth in U. S. Letters Patent No; x

2,050,614, granted to applicant's assignee August 11, 1936. Four pilot valves, VI, V2,V3, and V4 (preferably of the type set forth in U. S. Letters contacts as said pressures fall below said values.

An electrical controller 46, having normally open contacts, closes the same at a pressure of 4 inches or lower in the conduit 32, and a similar controller l1 closescontacts at a pressure of 0.1 .inch

or lower in'said conduit.

A pneumatically-actuated pressure-switch 50,

supplied from the conduit 26, acts underthe influence of pressure in said conduit to close three of regulating valve i1, serves to open a set or normally closed electrical contacts when said valve is receiving air pressure .from the conduit 20 through valve 21, so that said contacts are closed only when the regulating valve is not subject to controlling pressure, and'is consequently standing-in its full open position.

Interaction of the electrical circuits is er fected by means of the following five relays: Re-

lay. 54 carries a single .set of normally open contacts, closed when the relay is energized. Relay 53 carriestwo sets of normally open contacts Patent No. 1,890,494, granted to applicant's as- ..signee December 13, 1932) and five quick-acting contactors Cl, C2, C3, C4, and C5 (preferably of the type set Iorthin U. 8. Letters Patent No. 1,960,020 issued May 22, 1934)"are associated with the respective. cams carried by the shaft 6!.

The pilot valves VI, V2, V3, and V4 receive air from the source 34 and communicate respectively with conduits 28, 22, 24, and 22, in such a manner that, when any one of these valves is opened by its corresponding cam, air is admitted independent sets of electrical contacts, -desigto its associated conduit; and when a valve is. closed, the entrapped air is vented to .the-atmosphere.- Contactors Cl and C3 are of the singlepole type, and may be opened or closed by the action oftheir respective associated cams. Contactor 02 has a normally closed contact 02-4 and a normally open contact 02-h. Contactor 04 has a normally closed contact 04-0 and a normally open contact 04-h. Contactor Cl has a normally closed contact CH and a normally open contact Cl-b. 1

timing of the several pilot valves and contactors is illustrated diagrammatically in Fig. 4, and will be discussed in greater detail under the heading of "operation."

The relative in addition to the automatically actuated electrical contacting units hereinabove set forth. the

system includes two normally-open, instantaneous-manually-operated push-button contactors 03 and II, and-a manually operated maintainedcontact switch 03. Electrical power is supplied to the control system from a two-wire circuit, the

I nected to line conductor L2.

designated as and .55c, to contact 56d, and to one terminal. each of the operating solenoids of relays 54 and 56, the free terminal of the former being con- The normally-open contact (32-!) of contactor C2 is connected to a conductor I, and thereby to the fast terminal of the motor 62, whose common terminal is connected to the line conductor L2. Conductor I is ,valve'4ll remain energized so long as the switch further connected to contacts 55b and 56-d, 3

these thus forming an alternative connection between conductors I and E. The contacts 5ll-a of pressure-switch 50 provide a connection between conductor E and conductor 0, the latter of which is connected to one side of the operatln g solenoid of relay 55. The other side of this coil is connected to a conductor P, which may be placed in connection with line conductor L2 through either the contact of controller 41 or contact 55-a. n

The slow" terminal of motor 62 is connected to a conductor H which leads to contactor C-3 of the cycle controller, thence by a conductor N to contacts 58-c, thence by a conductor K to contacts 56-e, and thence by a conductor M to contact 55c and thus'to'cdnductor E. To

the common point of contactor C4 is connected a conductor Q, which leads to one terminal of in the positionsshown. There being no air presthe operating coil of relay 56, the other, terminal of which is connected to' the conductor E.

Thenormally-closed contact. C4,a of contactor C4 is connected by, means of a conductor tact C5a is connected by a conductor S in series with the contact -0 of pressure-switch 50, and thence by conductor Z to contact 56a and to controller 46, either of ,which provides an altermercury.

native path between Z and line wire L2. Normally-opencontact C5--b isconnected by conductors T and A inseries with contact 50-b o1 pressure-switch 50 to a terminal common to contacts 51-11 and 5'|c.'

contactor Cl provides a connection between conductor L2 and conductor J, leading to one terminal of relay 58, the other terminal of which is connected to the conductor I? Manually-operated push-button switch 63, providing momentary connection between conductors D and E, completes a circuit set forth hereinafter in greater detail, whereby, through energization of relay 54; the operatingvcycle is initiated. Manually-operatedpush-button switch 64, providing momentary connection between con ductors Li and I, serves to energize relay 58; and contact 58-a connected in parallel with switch 64 acts as a locking-in contact therefor. Switch 65 provides contact between conductors E and L, thus connecting E to the free ends of the operating solenoids of relay 5'! and valve 40, the other terminals of which are connected to in associated conduits 38 and 39. The cycle controller 64 will stand with all ,trical circuits, of controllers -42 and 44.

line conductor L2, so that relay 51 and solenoid 65 is closed.

- Operation- Let it be. assumed that the chamber I0 is charged with material to be processed and that it has been closed and sealed in the proper manner. Control pressure of air is applied to conduit 34, and a suitable electrical potential applied between the line conductorsLi and L2, the pipes 20 and 14 being in communication with vacuum and atmosphere, respectively, and the regulating valve I'Pconnected to a source of steam pressure.

1 itially, all the relays s4, 55; so, 51, and n trollers 42, 43, 44, 45,46, and 41, all-being-adjusted to operate at absolute, pressures below atmospheric, 42- and 43 will stand with their contacts closed, and the remaining four instruments with their contacts open. Pneumatic controllers 36 and 31 will stand in a position to maintain at a minimum the control pressures pilot valves closed and the electrical contactors sure iniconduit 26, the pressure-switch 50 will stand with all its contacts open, and the valve I8 will be closed. There being no air pressure in conduit 28, the reverse-acting valve 2'! will be closed, withthe result that conduit 53 will haveno pressure therein, so that the pressureswitch 52 will stand with its'contacts closed, and regulating valve I! will be open. There being no air pressure in conduit 24, the reverse-acting valve l5 will be closed; and there being no pressure in conduit 22, the direct-acting valve l2 will stand open. The solenoid of valve 40, being in parallel with the operating, coil of relay 51,

will be de-energized, so that conduit 4| wil1 be in communication with the conduit 39'and the controller 31, which has been pre-set to regulate en, in operation, to a Assuming that ltis desired to process material in chamber 10 according to the cycle involving the group oi pressures having the higher values, as shown in the full-line. graph of Fig. 4, the switch 65 is left in its open position, so that relay 5! remains de-energized, cutting out the elec- The ' solenoid valve then remains in the position hereinbefore referred to, rendering pneumatic controller 36 ineffective. This condition corresponds to point I on the diagrams in Fig. 4.

The process cycle is initiated by momentarily depressing the push-button contact 63, joining conductors D and E, and completing a circuit which permits current to pass from line wireLl, through contact C2- 1, conductor C, contact 58b, conductors D and E to the winding of relay 54, and thence to line wire L2, energizing said relay, closing its contacts, and thus bridging momentary contact 63, which may then be released. At the same time, connection from conductor E through normally-closed contacts 55-c,

pressure of 12 inches of sealing 013? the interior of the chamber from communication with the drain l4. Control air pressure in the conduit 26 serves also to close the contacts of pressure-switch 50.

As the process of evacuation of the chamber now continues, the absolute pressure reaches in succession values corresponding to the settings of the several electrical controllers, controller 43 first opening its contacts,-which have been carryl mg no current. The electrical circuits of controllers 42 and 44 remain inert so long as relay 51 v is de-energized, which condition corresponds to the cycle under consideration,-

After a lapse of time predeterminedby trial,

and sufiicient to allow the absolutepressure to attain a value near 4 inches of mercury, the con- Y tactor' C3 is opened by action of its associated cam and the cycle controller brought to rest. As the pressure within the chamber continues to fall, the controller 45', set for an absolute pressure of 4 inches, closes its contacts, and at a pressure.

which have been carrying no current. value of 12 inches of mercury is reached, the

contacts of controller 43 are closed, joining conto rise and approach the predetermined value as set on the controller 43. As the pressure rises,

controllers 45, 45, and 41 open their contacts,

As the ductors L2 and Y, thus completing a circuit from L2 through conductor Y, contacts 51-d, conductor U, contacts of pressure-switch 52, conductor R, contactor C4a to conductor Q, and thence through the winding of relay 56 to conductor E, which, as hereinbefore set forth, is connected to LL The energization of relay 55 serves to open contact 56-e in series with contactor C3 andto "close contacts 56-0., 55-41, '55-c and BB-d."

Contact 56-0. serves to bridge the contacts of controller, which, however, as the cycle has thus far proceeded, will not complete an electrical circuit. Contact 56-!) provides connection be-v tween conductors .-L2-and A, but. does not at the moment complete any electrical circuit. Contact 55--'c provides from line conductor L-2 to conductor U a pathalternative to the 'above-menjtionedcircuit including the contacts of con- 01 3 inches the controller 45 closes its contacts,

these controllers connecting conductors Z and B, respectively, to 'lineconductors L2, but, owing to contacts C4-b and 05-]; being open, not thereby completing any circuit. I

As the pressure continues to fall it attains a value of 0.1 inch, corresponding to the point II in Fig. 4, at whichtime the controller 41 acts to close its contacts, completinga circuit from conductor ;L2 .to conductor P, through the winding. of relay 55,- conductor 0, contact 50-0-01 pressure-switch 50 and conductor E, which has previously been put in connection with line conductor Ll, thus energizing the relay 55, thereby opening contacts .55-cand closing contacts.

55-0. and 55-'b. Contact 55a' serves to bridge .thecontacts of controller 41, locking the relay 55 in the energized position without respect to subsequent performance of the controller. Contact 55-h completes a circuit from conductor E (which has been shown to be connected to'Ll) to c'oniiuctor'I, thereby energizing the iast windingot motor. 62, operating cycle controller 50 at itshigher speed, advancingthe cams, closing.

troller 43, thus serving to lock the relay 55 in its energized position subject to deenergization only by the subsequent opening of the contacts of pressure switch 52 and not by the opening 0! the contacts of controller 43; At the same moment as contact in series with contactor C3 is opened, interrupting the low-speed circuit of motor 62, the high-speed winding is energized by contacts,

-the'conne'cting of conductors E and I through contact 56-d.

The controller now runs at its higher speed until the pilot valve V2 is opened, admitting air to the diaphragm chamber of valve 21, which serves to'place the valve ll unde'r command of the controller 31, whereby the pressure in the chamber 10 is maintained at the predetermined value of, inches of mercury (corresponding to the point 111 in Fig. 4) at which value it is maintained during the first part'of the treating process. I

Admission of air pressure to the diaphragm of valve ll serves also through conduit 53 to actuate pressiu-e-switch 52 in a sense to open its which action de-energizes the winding of relay 56, opening contacts 56-41, 56-5, 5 6c and 58-41, and closing contact 58-e. The openm of contacts 56-41 and 56b, which at this time in the cycle are not carrying current, propilot valve VI and again completing a circuit at contactor C3. The closing of Vlrelieves pressure in conduit 25, which allows valve Hi to close, interrupting communication between the chamber l0 nd the source-of vacuum, and also causes pressure-switch 50 to open its contacts. Contact 50-0 upon opening serves to release relay 55, k

which in turn interrupts the high-speed operation Y of motor 52. Contacts 5ll--b.a nd 50-'-c interrupt circuits a eady maintained open by contactors C4 and C5, respectively, and therefore not active at this time in the cycle.

The closing of contactor C3 energizes the lowspeed winding of motor 52, causing the cycle controller 50 to run at the lower of its two velocities,'first opening the pilot valve V3, which applies control air to the diaphragm of valve I5, opening it, and allowing steam to flow freely from the fully-open regulating valve I1 into the hits-- duces no operative effect. The opening of contact -0 removes the locking circuit of relay 55;; and the opening of contacts 56-d and simultaneous closing of contacts 55--e interrupt the high-speed operating circuit. of motor 52 and closethe slow-speed circuit inseries with contactor C3, whereupon thecontroller proceeds to run at its lower velocity and establish the first period of treatment called for in the cycle.

- During this part of the cycle the contactor C4 is operated by its'associated cam, opening contact 04-11 in series with. the already opened contacts of pressure-switch 52,.andclosing contact C4b,

thus providing an alternative circuit including conductor Q, conductor Ci, contactor C5a,con-

ductor S, contacts Ill-c and conductor 2, whereby relay 56 may. be energized upon the closing of other contacts'in serieswith said circuit.

As the termination of the first treating period, represented by 'the point IVin Fig. 4,158.9-

proached, the pilot valve V3 is closed by its assorior of chamber IO. causing the pressure therein ciated cam, thus closing valve l5 and shutting 01f communication between the regulating valve l1 and th interior of the chamber ID. Immediately thereafter pilot valve VI is opened and V2 closed. The opening of VI causes diaphragm valve [8 to open, reestablishing communication between the chamber l and the source of vacuum 20, thus initiating a second period of lowering pressure in the processing chamber. At the same time, pressure in conduit 26 serves to close the contacts of pressure-switch 50. The contacts of controller 41 being open, the closing of contact 50a does not as before energiz the relay. 55'; and contacts C--b being open, contact 50c does not complete a circuit. Contact 50b, however, provides a link in a circuit to be completedby the contacts of controller 45, as hereinafter set forth. v v

- The closing of pilot valve V2 removespressure from the diaphragm of valve 21, allowing it to close, relieving pressure in the conduit 53, so that the switch 52 closes its contacts. This release of pressure also allows regulating valve IT to open;

but, since valve I5 is closed, no'steam is admitted to the processing chamber.v During this pant of the cycle the contacts of contactor C3 are opened and the motor 62'brought to rest.

As the pressure in the chamber I0 declines, the contacts of, controller 43 are opened; and as a pressure of 4 inches of mercury is reached, corresponding to the point V in Fig. 4, the controller 46 closes its contacts, completing a circuit'from L2 through conductor Z, contact 50c, conductor S, contact C5a, conductor G, contactor C4-b, and the conductor Q and the winding of relay 56 l to energize the latter, thus closing contacts 56-+a,

gize the high-speed circuit, so that the cams of controller 50 are advanced at a rapid rate, first closing the pilot valve Vl', which acts through the diaphragm valve l8 to shut off the vacuum, and at the same time closing the contacts of contactor C3. Therelief of pressure in conduit 26 upon the closing of pilot valve VI allows pressureswitch 50 to open its contacts, 50a and 50-!) being at this time inactive, and contact.5llc deenergizing relay 56, whose only effect at this time is to Open the high-speed circuit of motor 62, as carried by contacts 56-d, andcomplete the low-speed circuit at contact 56e in series with contactor C3. The controller 60 now runs at the lower of its two velocities, first opening the pilot valve V3, which in turn causes valve II to be opened, allowing steam to flow freely from the valve l1 into the chamber I0, causing the pressure therein to rise-and again approach the predeter- 5 in its energized .position.

circuit whereby the relay56 is energized, transferringthe cycle controller 60 from low-speed to high-speed operation. Contact 55c bridges the contacts of controller 43 and locks the relay 55 This corresponds. to point VI in Fig. 4. r 4

The controller 60 now, as before, operates at its higher speed until the pilot valve V2 is opened, causingvalve 21 to open and again place valve l1 10 under regulation of the controller 31, maintaining in the chamber in steam at the predetermined treating pressure of 12 inches. The air pressure admitted to the diaphragm of valve -l|- acts through conduit 53 to cause pressure-switch 52 15 to open its-contacts, deenergizing relay 56, upon which the controller 60 reverts to its-lower speed,

required by the cycle.

As the termination of the second treating establishing the second timed period of treatment 0 period, represented by the point VII'in Fig. 4, is

approached, valve V3 is again closed by its associated cam, shutting ofl'the supply of steam to" the treating chamber 1 0; and. a short time thereafter pilot valve VI -is opened, causing valve I6 to open and reestablish communication between the chamber I0 and the source of vacuum 20, and

V2 is closed, closing valve 21, relieving air pressure on regulating valve l1, and at the same time closing the contacts of pressure-switch 52. At this time contactor C5 is thrown to a position to open contact 'C5--a and to close contact C5--b,

" and at the same time pressure frompilot, valve VI in conduit '26 serves to close the contacts of pressure-switch Because contacts of .controller 41 are open, contacts 5ll-a are inactive. Contacts 50-h provide a link in a circuit subject to completion by the contacts of controller 45.

. Contacts 50-c, as upon the previous occasion of their closing,'provide a link .in a circuit subject to completion by the contacts of controller 46. During this part ofjhe cycle the contactor C3- is opened by the associated cam, and the cycle controller brought to rest.

As the pressure in chamber I0 falls, thecon tacts of controller 43 are opened, and when a pressure of 4 inches is reached, the controller 46 closes its contacts; but, because of the open circuit at contact CS-a, does not energize the relay 56 as on the occasion of the previous decline of pressure. The pressure continues to fall until it reaches a value. of 3 inches of mercury, as determined by the setting of the controller 45,- corresponding to'point VIII in Fig. 4, whereupon the contacts of that controller close, providing a cir cuit from line conductor L2, .to conductor '3," through contacts 5|-c, conductor A, contacts 50-b oi. pressure-switch 50, conductor T, con-= tacts C5-b, conductor G, contacts C4-b, conductor Q and the winding of relay 56 to conductor E, energizing said relay as before. Contacts 56- a serve to lock the relay in its energized position. Contacts 56-b provide an alternative locking circuit. Contacts 56c do not at this time complete an operative circuit. Contact -56',d energizes the high-speed winding of motor 62, causing the cams of the cycle controller 60 to be advanced rapidly, reclosing contactor Cl, resetting contactors C4,. and C5 to their original positions, and closing the valve VI, thereby interrupting communication of the chamber with the to low speed. The controller then closes pilot iii a selected one of'a plurality of treatment valve vaQwnin has been held open throughout the treating periods.

The closing of pilot valve V4 removes air pressure from the diaphragm of direct-acting valve I2, allowing itto open and place the interior oi chamber H) in communication with the atmosphere, whereupon the pressure in the chamber l rapidly rises to atmospheric, opening the contacts of controllers 45 and 48 and closing those of a condition as shown at IX speed operation oi the cycle controller is terminated. At the same instant, however, through contacts C,2b, the conductor I is connected to Li, whereby the cycle controller is at once thrown into operation at high speed, immediately closing contactor Cl and energizing relay 58, which looks in through contacts 58-11 and opens contacts 58b.and 58-0, after which C2 revertsto its normal position'and the cycle controller continues to advance at high speedwithout respect to the performance of other relays, controllers, or contactors, until brought to rest in its starting position by the opening of contactor Cl andconsequent release of relay 58.

The action of relay 58, whose express purpose is to bring the cycle of operations to a normal termination, may be initiated at'any point in the chambers at a succession of values and the maintenance of atmospheric conditions in another 'of said chambers'regulatingmeans for providing a succession of such pressure conditions of predetermined values, other regulating means for providing another succession of suchpressure conditions of predetermined values, both said regulating means including a single timing instrument for maintaining such pressure conditions at certain of said predetermined values for predetermined time. intervals, means for selectively controlling the pressure conditions in a selected treatment chamber by either of saidregulating means and by said single timing means,

-.and means for associating'the selected'reguiating means and said timing means with a selected one of said plurality of treatment chambers and cycle by depressing the momentary contactswitch 64, which is directlyin parallel with contact C2b, so that in case of emergency the cycle may be automatiallylerminated with maximum expediency. and all valves and contactors brought toa safe position and normal starting conditions established.

' Assuming it is desired to process material in chamber l0 according to the cycle involving the group of-pressures having the lower values, as shown'by the dotted line in Fig. 4, switch 65 is 40. Relay 5.1, through contacts 51-h and 5'|-'-a substitutescontrollers 42 and 44 in the system for controllers 43 and 45, which are disconnected through the action-of contacts 5'l -d and 5'I-c. The energization of the three-way solenoid valve serves to place regulatingvalve l'lvunder command of controller 36' instead of 31.. The controllers 45 and 41 are not in anyway afiected, so that, upon the initiation of the operating cycle by momentary depression oL the push-button switch 63, the-treatment of material. in chamber III will be carried out in a manner exactly, similar to that set forthabove, but with limiting and regulated pressures in agreement with the set- I tings of the several control instruments ,introduced in the system due to the closing of switch 65.

When it is desired to transfer the process from chamber III to chamber ,it is onlynecessary to throwtherthree-way cock'35 from the position P-Ill to the position P-I I, when operative. communication will be established between the set forth. I We claim:'

first closed, energizing relay 51 and solenoid valve for maintaining atmospheric conditions f in the other of said chambers.

\ -2. Means for governing the introduction and withdrawal of a'iluid respectively to and from a closed vessel and through valves connected therewith, said means comprising a timing mechanism including cam means, certain of said cam means governing the operation of said valves, an electric motor to drive the cam means, and contactor means driven by other of said cam means; two circuits for operating said motor selectively at a low speed for extended timing of operation of said valves and at a high speed for rapid opera-' tion of said valves, one of said circuits including certain of the contactor means for interrupting the circuit to stop the operation of the motor; and means subject to pressure changes in saidvessel to complete one of said selective circuits to operate the motor at the higher of said speeds upon the attainment'ot a certain'predetermined pressure value in said vessel, together with-other means subject to pressure changes in said vessel and adapted upon the attainment of another predetermined pressure'value in said vessel to complete the other of said selectivecircuits.

3. In a control system for a pair of closed vessels in a selected one of which it is required to produce nonatmospheric conditions while atmospheric conditions are maintained within the other; means for governing the introduction and withdrawal ofa fluid respectively to and from said selected vessel and through valves connectedtherewith, said means comprising a timing mechanism including cam means, certain of said cam means governing the operation of said valves, an

' electric motor to drive the cam means, and contactor means driven by other of said-cam means;

. two circuits for operating said motor selectively control system and chamber II, as hereinbeiore 1. In acontrol system for a treatment process involving the maintenance of pressure conditions at a low speed for extended timing of operation of said valves and at a high speed for rapid operation of said valves, one of said circuits including certain of the contactor means for interrupting the circuit .to stop the operation of the motor;

and means subject to pressure changes in said vessel to complete one of saidselective circuits to operate the motor atthe higher of said speeds upon the attainment of a certain predetermined pressure value in said vessel, together with other -me'ans subject to pressure changes in said vessel and adapted upon theattainment of another predetermined pressure value in said vessel to complete the other of said selective circuits, and

a single manually actuated control element, together with a three-way-valve connected to the respective closed 'vessels adapted to associate said timing mechanism and the means subject to pressure changes with the selected one of the closed vessels while maintaining atmospheric conditions within the other chamber.

4'. In a control system for a process cycle to be alternatively conducted in a selected one of a plurality of closed vessels aflording respective treatingchambers and requiring that said selected chamber be controllably placed in communication with a vacuum" producingme'ans and with a source oi'fluid flowingat a rate regulated in coniormity with a condition'within said clfamber "and the other chamber maintained at atmospheric condition; instrumentalities for eflecting regulation ofsaid rate and the communication to the vacuum producing means and including a condition-responsive member selectively communicable with each of said chambers, and a plurality of fluid-pressure-actuated valves adapted when pressure is applied thereto mutually to coact in placing a single one of said chambers in communication with said fluid source or with said vacuum-producing means, and with said condition-responsive member, and when pressure plurality oi closed vessels aflording respective treating chambers and requiring that said selected chamber be controllably placed in communication with a vacuum producing means and with a source of fluid flowing at a rate regulated in conformity with a condition within said chamber and the other chamber maintained at at- .mospheric condition; instrumentalities for efiecting regulation of said rate and the communication to the vacuum-producing means and in-v cluding a condition-responsive member selectively communicable with each of said chambers, and a plurality of fluid-pressure-actuated valves adapted when pressure is applied thereto mutually to coast in placing a singleone of said chamhere in communication with said fluid source or with said vacuum-producing means and with said condition-responsive member, and' when pressure is removed therefrom to coact in placing the other of said chambers in communica-' tion with said source or with said vacuum-prosaid valves.-

ducing means and with said condition-responsie member, together with a manually operated valve oi! the supply-and-waste type for effecting the application or removal oi fluid pressure to 8. In a control system for a treatment process tobe alternatively conducted for timed intervals in a selected one or a plurality of closed vessels aflording treatment chambers, said process including treatment under fluid pressures other than atmospheric; valve means for controlling the introduction and withdrawal respectively of fluids to and from each of said chambers, means for regulatingfluid pressure within any selected one of said chambers and including a pressuresensitive element communicating selectively with .said chambers, further pressure-sensitive elementscommunicating selectively with said cha nbers, a single timing instrument, means governed jointly by said timing instrument and said lastnamed pressure-sensitive elements for operating said valve means, together with means for simultaneously'associating said regulating means andtiming means with one of said chambers and maintaining-at atmosphericthe condition in another of said chambers.

'7. In a control system far atreatment process to be alternatively conductedior timed inter-'- vals in a selected one of a plurality of closed vesselsaflording treatment chambers, said process including treatment under fluid pressures other than atmosperic; valve means for controlling the introduction. and withdrawal respectively .0!

' fluids to and from each of said chambers, means I for regulating fluid pressure within any selected one of said chambers and including a pressuresensitive element communicating selectively with said chambers, further pressure-sensitive elements communicating selectively with said chambers, a, single timing instrument, means fgoverned Jointly by said timing instrument and said last-named pressure-sensitive elements for operating said valve means, together with means including a single manually operable element to! simultaneously associating said regulating means and timing means with one of said chambers and v maintaining at atmospheric the condition in another of said chambers.

wnmm L. ATWOOD.

LUCIAN N. JONES. HORACE L. SMITH, JR. 

